The Democratic Unionists have ridiculed a Sinn Féin call for the British prime minister and Taoiseach to intervene in Stormont's crisis talks, insisting the republicans "don't need anyone to hold their hands".

It's difficult to think what Theresa May imagined she would achieve with her snap invitations to Downing Street but then this is prime minister who is becoming increasingly renowned for her poor judgment.

Former Northern Ireland secretary of state Lord Hain has accused the Conservatives of "putting party before peace" by seeking an agreement with the DUP to shore up Theresa May's minority administration in Parlia ment.